KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's education assessment is in line with the global education agenda.

In a parliamentary written reply on Tuesday, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the School-Based Assessment (PBS) introduced by the ministry, following the abolition of the Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and the Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga (PT3), is modelled on comparisons with educational assessments in regional and international contexts.

This includes countries such as Finland, the United States, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Norway, Japan, Hong Kong and Indonesia which have also transitioned from centralised examinations to school-based examinations, she said.

"The ministry is focusing on strengthening PBS in areas such as Classroom-Based Assessment (PBD), Physical Activity, Sports and Co-curricular Assessment and Psychometric Assessment.

"PBS is seen as a game changer for the ministry, shifting away from exam-oriented assessment towards an approach that emphasises the holistic development of students.

"The focus in learning is no longer solely on grades or exam scores but instead towards meaningful learning in an enjoyable environment," she said in response to Hassan Saad (PN-Baling) who had inquired about the ministry's short-term plans regarding the reinstatement of UPSR and PT3.

She added that PBS implementation is in line with the Incheon Declaration for Education 2030 Framework, which advocates for quality educational assessments through continuous PBD and a more comprehensive evaluation encompassing both cognitive and non-cognitive assessments.

The ministry, she said, has also introduced a year-end academic session test as part of efforts to enhance PBS. This summative assessment component of PBD is considered low-stakes and aims to reduce exam pressure on students.

"Additionally, improvements to the year-end academic session test, starting from the 2024/2025 academic session, include changes to the reporting format, moving from mastery levels to percentages and grades. Schools and teachers are also given autonomy in conducting year-end tests," she said.

She added that the ministry remains attentive and takes into account the views and recommendations of all relevant parties in shaping the direction of national education.

"Therefore, holistic education assessment through PBS will also be discussed in an upcoming Cabinet meeting."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/10/1123962/malaysias-education-assessment-aligns-global-agenda-fadhlina